Rafael Nadal

I think both Federer fans and the media who seem to adore (understatement) Federer and hate Nadal for ruining Federer's GOAT status will be very much into spreading these sorts of rumours.

I too think Nadal’s camp....

I just have major difficulties accepting that whatever the problem with Nadal's knees is, people can predict fairly accurately, that the problems will be magically sorted by the start of the clay court season. There also never seem to be any signs of lameness or problems when he is playing. It is only cited as an issue after he has lost. I did read that if a racehorse had tendinitis, it would be shot, and certainly couldn't race again. Whilst I obviously do not think humans should be shot, (by that criteria I would not have survived very long at all), I simply can't see how he could continue to play at such a high level - particularly with multiple different problems.

But isn’t there a rumour about Federer doping as well? I mean how this guy stays this fit for this long is a question itself too, no?

I have heard or read the odd comment, but have not come across any info that I find completely persuasive. His body form doesn't make me suspicious. Nadal's does. His long injury free spells and energy levels might well indicate something, but the jury is still well out on that for me.

I don't think we should be giving credence to such rumours unless there is strong evidence. Think how angry we'd be if people were circulating such rumours about Andy.

I was thinking this. And I don't believe this hogwash about Novak or Nadal for a minute. Both are exceptional sportsmen with amazing levels of fitness. They put themselves through it day in, day out. Andy's fitness is on a similar level - why is no-one questioning him?

It's ridiculous and to accuse them of it with absolutely nothing substantial at all is a bit out of order.

Even speculating about it feels wrong but I guess that's always going to happen.

I must admit I did wonder about this when Nadal first broke onto the scene, the bulk of his arms and legs seemed unnatural for a guy of his age. Novaks seemingly sudden rise in level also could realisicaly give rise to suspicion. However knowing how Andy complains about the amount of dope testing which goes on I cannot see how anyone could get away with it. Federer I think has just been lucky (lets face it he does seem to live a charmed life) and all the comms talk about the way he plays not putting the pressure on his body. Anyway people that arrogant tend to be wimps and he wouldnt have the bottle.

As someone who suffers from extreme chronic pain that is variable day by day then I say it's quite possible to have an ongoing health issue that means you can be fine one day and wrose on others. I think in Rafa's case you can study when he's had issues and be able to cite exhaustion and the wear of his schedule. He's had a good year this year with a lot of work in and I think with his knee's it#s just the sort of thing that flares up and can be fine for a while and then get worse. There's never be any proof to any of these rumours and most these journalists and critics seem jealous and unable to fathom that these players can actually play tennis that is out of this world.Take last year for Nole- rumours and speculation of doping because he had a stunning year 'out of the blue' when in fact those of us watching tennis week in week out were seeing a difference in attitude on and off-court towards his tennis. The same can be said about Andy in this years Wimbledon and Olympics, his entire game moved up a gear with his attitude and confidence at an all time high- so should we be speculating about him and doping?

I'm not saying it doesn't happen but I hate that for every injury or withdrawal there's speculation of substance abuse; that every time a player achieves a major victory in spectacular fashion then the same happens.

That was really interesting.. especially when he said this: 'First of all, at this site I am a blogger—an opinion journalist and commentator. I have neither the mandate nor the responsibility to deal strictly and exclusively with facts and/or the thoughts or opinions of others about those facts...'

Have stumbled on this before, but mine eyes doth hurt too much at this site's unspeakable use of black text upon a grey backgound. But I can put on some sunglasses it you want me to pick the blue highlighted parts apart.

Re Hazybears comments. It is interesting to see these different viewpoints. I to suffer from chronic pain and knackered joints, and have done for many years, and for me it is that experience, that triggers a lot of my suspicions. Whilst I can have good days from time to time, they are not predictable. Also they tend to be for a few days, rather than weeks or months. A period of more exertion than usual means I frequently can barely walk subsequently. I have now reached the point, where I sometimes temper my activity, simply because I can't face the potential consequences of overdoing it. Whilst I appreciate RN is much younger than and infinitely fitter, (this still applied when I was his age), not to mention a highly skilled tennis player. I can't get my head round the fact he seems to be able to guarantee that he won't be in a flare up or have problems sufficient to impede him during the whole of the clay court season.